A Visit from Deborah

Deborah

I was treated to a visit from a friend and ex-coworker today, Deborah Hughes. Three years ago she moved back to the east coast. She was originally from the east coast, and her desire was to move back to where she could spend more time with family as she got older. I admired her ability to know what she wanted, to plan ahead for it, and to follow through with it. She doesn't have a partner at this time of her life, so her "follow through" was even more admirable. Many, if not most, people would remain in place... just hoping and wishing. She took action.

She was the Outreach Coordinator at the time at the college when I was asked to assist her in Outreach in 2003. After she left, Outreach went through many changes... all of which I was a part of. My hope is that during my six years in Outreach, I served the college well. I learned a lot from Deborah, and then later from Bill Belden, our dean.

I miss the challenges and my friendships from my position in Outreach, but I could tell it was time to move along. Some times one has to do things that the heart doesn't want, but that the timing is right. I have since become involved in the leadership at my church and wouldn't you know it? I am the "Outreach" Committee Lead in the Women's ministries. I believe that what I learned in Outreach at the college will be used at the church.

Anyway, back to Deborah. Before she left us, she became a high school guidance counselor. She found a job at a technical high school in Virginia, near her family. She has been there now three years. And she is living in a peaceful place, in the woods. More like my personal likes than hers, but I believe she sees the benefits of a place like she is living. When she finally moves to another job and place to live, she will miss her home in the woods (but that is yet to be seen).

I was very happy to see her, to see her healthy, and reconnect with her. Her directness and personality is truely unique... and I enjoy her company. I will have to keep up my communication with her better in the future. And, Deborah, if you are reading this, I hope you come here often to visit...

I am happy it is almost the weekend. I am ready for a day off. Yes, I know that I had Tuesday off when I took Riley to the see the doctor, but my body doesn't even realize that I had it off... it is as if I worked. Today I had the counter most of the day by myself. Shirlyn was gone because she is having an exam in the morning and had to prep for it today. Fortunately, it wasn't too heavy of a day. Maybe tomorrow I will luck out again too. We will see. Have a fabulous Friday!